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Menard Correctional Center

(AP / KMOV) -- The death of an inmate at Menard Correctional Center in southern Illinois has been termed “suspicious.”

Randolph County Coroner Randy Dudenbostel says an autopsy is scheduled for the male prisoner found dead Thursday night.

Dudenbostel says an investigation has begun. He wouldn’t release any other information while authorities try to contact family members.

The Illinois Department of Corrections released this statement:

On January 31, at approximately 6:35 PM, an inmate at the Menard Correctional Center was pronounced dead. Investigators from the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois State Police are currently investigating. The Department of Corrections is in the process of notifying next of kin. This is an ongoing investigation and I will provide more information as it becomes available.

Authorities said further comment will be withheld until the investigation is completed.